Double Dribble vs NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Double Dribble debuted in arcades in 1986 as Konami’s second basketball title, famous for its smooth slam‑dunk animation and the pioneering use of the Star‑Spangled Banner during attract mode. The game’s fast‑paced, two‑player action captured the excitement of street basketball and became a staple of late‑80s arcades. In 1987 the title was ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System, preserving the core gameplay and animation while introducing home gamers to the same memorable experience. Today it remains a nostalgic favorite for retro‑gaming fans and basketball enthusiasts alike.
NBA Showtime delivers the high-flying, over-the-top basketball experience that Midway's classic NBA Jam series popularized. Featuring exaggerated physics, signature dunks, and a roster of 1990s NBA stars, the game captures the excitement of televised NBA action. Designed for both solo play and split-screen competition, the title offers simple controls, vibrant graphics, and a nostalgic feel that appeals to casual gamers and arcade enthusiasts alike.
- Iconic slam‑dunk animation
- First game with national anthem in attract mode
- Simple, pick‑up‑and‑play controls
- Supports head‑to‑head multiplayer
- Instantly accessible controls for all skill levels.
- Exciting, over-the-top dunk animations.
- Split-screen multiplayer adds social fun.
- Authentic 1990s NBA roster and presentation.
- Limited depth compared to modern sports titles
- Graphics are low‑resolution by today’s standards
- No online multiplayer functionality
- Limited to two-player split-screen; no online play.
- Graphics are dated by modern standards.
- Simplified gameplay may lack depth for hardcore simulation fans.
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are one‑time‑purchase arcade basketball games, but Double Dribble offers classic 80s retro charm while NBA Showtime delivers a late‑90s NBA star roster and split‑screen play.
Key differences
- •Double Dribble is a 1986 NES‑style title with pixel art; NBA Showtime is a 1999 arcade game with more detailed graphics and NBA branding.
- •NBA Showtime includes a roster of real 1990s NBA stars; Double Dribble has no licensed players.
- •Multiplayer in Double Dribble is head‑to‑head but not split‑screen; NBA Showtime explicitly supports two‑player split‑screen.
- •Both lack online play, but NBA Showtime’s split‑screen may feel more social for local co‑op.
- •Double Dribble’s gameplay is simpler and faster‑paced; NBA Showtime adds exaggerated dunk mechanics and crowd commentary.
Gameplay & fun factor
NBA Showtime adds exaggerated dunk mechanics, crowd commentary, and a roster of NBA stars, increasing variety.
Platform availability
Double Dribble is a classic NES title, runnable on many retro emulators; NBA Showtime is limited to 1999 arcade hardware.
Price & value
Both are paid one‑time purchases; no price differences are specified.
Multiplayer / co‑op
NBA Showtime explicitly supports two‑player split‑screen, offering a clearer local co‑op experience.
Content & replayability
NBA Showtime’s licensed NBA roster and dynamic broadcast graphics give more replay hooks than Double Dribble’s generic teams.
Difficulty & accessibility
Double Dribble’s simple pick‑up‑and‑play controls and low learning curve suit beginners better.
Graphics & performance
NBA Showtime’s later‑era graphics and crowd commentary are more advanced than Double Dribble’s low‑resolution pixel art.
Choose Double Dribble if…
Retro enthusiasts who want a quick, classic arcade feel without needing licensed teams.
Choose NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC if…
Players who want NBA branding, split‑screen local multiplayer, and more modern arcade flair.
Common questions
Do either of these games support online multiplayer?
No; both only support local multiplayer (head‑to‑head or split‑screen).
Which game has real NBA players?
NBA Showtime includes a roster of late‑1990s NBA stars; Double Dribble does not feature licensed players.
Is there a difference in how easy the games are to pick up and play?
Double Dribble is noted for simple, pick‑up‑and‑play controls; NBA Showtime also has accessible controls but adds more mechanics.